Winter’s Nip

“Hello,” he says,
“Just passing by today.
But I’ll be back
For a longer stay!”

“It’s been a while.
I’ve been away,
To other climes,
Some cold to lay.”

“It’s quite a job,
The world to view.
Opportunities to enjoy
Outside for a few.”

“A nice warm fire
Will do for some
Who prefer to be toasty
When I come.”

With a nod and smile
He travels on.
But he’ll return
He’s not gone!

Reflections on Leaves

  • Events around us can stir us and carry us
  • We sometimes feel blown about and out of control
  • We gather ourselves as best we can
  • Picking ourselves back up can be difficult
  • Being walked all over can crush one’s spirit or feed resentment
  • Persistence and patience are nothing to sneeze at
  • We long to be swept away from uncomfortable or painful situations
  • A clean wash and fresh start breath life back in
  • May the end results of words and actions bring enrichment to others
  • Build your homes to be places of nurture, warmth, and comfort
  • Listen for the soft answers and quiet rustles to calm your soul
  • Be the fuel to encourage and lead
  • Look for positive opportunities in each season of change
  • Draw from the Source and show bright colors

From “Reflections from the Everyday”Charlotte-Anne Allen

He’s Here

The journey was long
And the way was hard
Over steep rocky places
And mountainous trails
… Now he’s here!

Tired out and hungry
We patiently went
Trying not to be anxious
Though thirsty and hot
… He’s here!

In uncertain times
Will there be a home
What about my loved ones
How will we survive
… But he’s here!

Missing my family
So far far away
How I long to be near them
And share the good news
… That he’s here!

Home safe and sheltered
Though not what I thought
Only a few visitors
To brighten the hours
… And welcome him here!

Look to the future
One day at a time
Be strong there’s tomorrow
Hear Mary’s good news
… for Jesus is here!

Squirrel

What’s that I hear
Loudly scolding “intruder intruder”
Leaping now up grand oak tree
Peering out from high above

An interruption of day’s work
Those wily robbers of bird feeders
And gatherers of nature’s bounty
Ready against winter’s chill

With flip of bushy tail
Now return to busy preparation
Planting storing, hop and poke
Now where did I leave that

Home sweet home in arching bowers
A comfy den or nest just right
To snugly curl within
Awaiting spring’s first touch

HOME

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I’m on my way home! “Home,” a word that fills me with many emotions. During busy days away, I anticipate the time when I can return. Home is more than just a place, it is a comfortable and familiar environment where I feel most secure. It’s where I can relax and be replenished.

Sometimes home means moving. Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth rejected him and so he made his home in nearby Capernaum. When others expressed a desire to follow him, Jesus reminded them that he had no secure place to “lay his head” as he traveled about the land to share God’s news to others. As the early church spread out, it discovered the strength and support of community. They met together, sharing meals in each other’s homes, praying, studying God’s Word, and enjoying fellowship with one another. *

I think there is something within each of us that longs for “home,” for acceptance and love… where we can feel secure and be replenished. What does home mean for you? I have found that making a home requires a lot of prayer and hard work. It has not always been easy and I’m so thankful for God’s strength and guidance!

I’m thankful too for His promise of an eternal home with Him. He has gone to prepare a place for us! * Two of my dear friends have just completed their own final journeys home to that place called heaven and their earthly bodies have found rest. How I miss their friendship and our times together! I’m so glad to have an eternal home to look forward to.

My prayer for us is that God will watch over our homes. I pray too that we will invite Him in as family, to share each day with us.

* Acts 2:42, 46; John 14:1-4

I Saw a Rock

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I saw a rock the other day
And tossed it to the side
It’s just a bit of gravel
Hindering my work

Ah hah, a child exclaimed
As he passed along and saw
It’s a treasure shining brightly
Bringing smiles and warm in hand

I saw a rock the other day
Dirty muddy in the way
A great boulder in my path
What a bother to go around

Ah hah, the builders said
As they spied that handsome stone
It’s just the thing we’re searching for
And fine addition to our new home

I saw a rock the other day
And tripped over it as I sped by
Why is that here and in my way
I have a lot to do

Ah hah, sighed another
Seeing the smooth worn slab

It’s just the help I need
A perfect fit to fix my steps

I saw a rock the other day
And took a second glance
A shining treasure
Firm foundation
Help along the way